Postdoctoral position (2 years) in synthetic medicinal chemistry - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry offers a postdoctoral position in the field of synthetic medicinal chemistry that will mainly work on developing multistage organic syntheses and solve challenging synthetic problems to efficiently produce and characterize new molecules. The postdoctoral project includes designing, synthesizing and characterizing new compounds and producing them with sufficient purity to be tested in biological systems. Last day to apply is 5 November 2020.

Project description and working tasks
The research group is focused on the design and synthesis of biologically active compounds against infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, the group focuses on designing and synthesizing new peptidomimetics to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). The researchers have also developed substances that selectively inhibit the pathogenic cascade of Chlamydia trachomatis as well as substances that attenuates Listeria monocytogenes virulence. In another project, we have also developed compounds that make the tuberculosis bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensitive to immune responses and certain antibiotics again. In collaboration with research groups in Europe and the United States, the effects of these compounds are being studied in in vitro and in vivo models and studies to understand the exact mechanisms of action are ongoing. The projects are interdisciplinary with collaborations across different fields of research.

The postdoctoral project includes designing, synthesizing and characterizing new compounds and producing them with sufficient purity to be tested in biological systems. The postdoctor will have the opportunity to plan and develop routes to synthesize small organic molecules for chemical biology. In addition, the aim is to publish the research results and the applicant will participate in the writing of these publications. As a postdoc, you must contribute with your knowledge to the research group, summarize the research and present your progress at group meetings.

The employment is full-time for a period of two years, starting at a date decided in agreement between the two parties.

Qualifications

Requirements
The required qualification is a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent in chemistry with focus on organic chemistry or equivalent. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances.

The applicant must have good knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry (method development, total synthesis and/or medicinal chemistry) as well as a documented good ability to conduct research and present it in writing scientific publications in expert-reviewed journals. The applicant must be able to independently develop multistage syntheses and solve challenging synthetic problems in order to efficiently design, produce and characterize new molecules. A desire to conduct research in a multidisciplinary project and in an environment that promotes collaboration between people with different skills, as well as excellent oral and written knowledge of English are required.

Other desirable qualifications
Since the substances that will be studied in the projects are 2-pyridones, previous experience with synthesis of these heterocycles is a merit. Knowledge about one or more of the bacteria studied in the projects is also a merit.

Application
The application must contain the following documents:

• A cover letter that describes qualifications, research interests, and motivation for application (maximum 2 pages)
• A curriculum vitae, including a publication list
• Certified copy of doctoral degree certificate
• Certified copies of other relevant degree certificates and grades,
• A copy of PhD thesis and relevant publications
• Name and contact information of at least two reference persons
• Other relevant documents

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 5 November 2020.

For further information, please contact Professor Fredrik Almqvist, tfn: +4690-786 69 25 or e-mail: fredrik.almqvist@umu.se.

Information about us
Department of Chemistry is the largest department in the Faculty of Science and Technology, with approximately 200 employees, including about 40 doctoral students, and with a strong and expanding research. Three major areas of research; Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry, represents the research and chemistry education of our department. We are also a strong partner in KBC, The Chemical-Biological Centre. For more information about working at Umeå University: www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.